Adirondack Park Perimeter Road
Circling the Adirondack wilderness boundary
This 85-mile route follows the original logging roads that ring the Adirondack Park boundary, connecting historic lumber camps and forgotten settlements through some of the most remote country in New York. The road winds through the Moose River Plains, crosses the Oswegatchie headwaters, and climbs over Stillwater Mountain before dropping into the Cold River valley. Key landmarks include the abandoned Nehasane railroad station and the ruins of Webb’s private railroad at Little Tupper Lake.
Rated difficult due to length, remoteness, and technical stream crossings that require skid plates and recovery gear. Stock 4WD with good ground clearance is minimum; lockers help in the mud. Best tackled in late summer when water levels drop. No permits required, but fuel up in Inlet—there’s nothing for 60 miles. Multiple primitive campsites exist along Cold River and Stillwater Reservoir. This is genuine wilderness overlanding where you’ll see more moose than people.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 85 mi / 136.8 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2800 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Inlet, NY |
| Land manager | New York State DEC |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without a lift?
A stock 4WD with skid plates meets the minimum requirement, but low-range is non-negotiable on several sections. Rock rails and underbody protection are strongly advised — the logging road remnants will find your frame.
Is the trail accessible before July or after September?
Mud season runs well into June in the Adirondacks, and snow can hit the higher passes by late October. July through September is the reliable window; early July can still have wet crossings from snowmelt.
Do I need a permit to run this route or camp along it?
No permit required for the route itself, but camping is managed by the New York State DEC. You must camp at least 150 feet from water, trails, and roads, and stays are limited to 3 consecutive nights at any one site.
What's the hardest section and what makes it serious?
The remote valley sections with water crossings are where rigs get into trouble — unclear lines, soft bottoms, and no cell service means a recovery gone wrong turns into a multi-day situation. Wheel placement matters more than horsepower here.
How far is the nearest gas station from the trail, and should I carry extra fuel?
Inlet, NY is your last reliable fuel stop before committing to the route. At 85 miles over 3-4 days with low-range use, carry at minimum a 5-gallon spare — there is no resupply on trail and no cell service to call for help.
Trail track
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